Disability-Inclusive Diabetes Self-management Telehealth Program: Protocol for a Pilot and Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Diabetes Management
• Assistive Technology
• Health Coaching

Background:

• Individuals with disabilities and type 2 diabetes need accessible self-management programs.
• Health coaching and telehealth can improve behavioral changes and access to care.
• The Artificial Intelligence for Diabetes Management (AI4DM) platform aims to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the AI4DM telehealth intervention.
• To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of AI4DM for people with disabilities.
• To outline the study design for the AI4DM intervention.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month, 2-arm randomized controlled trial involving 90 participants.
• Intervention includes telecoaching, diabetes educational content, and technology access.
• Assesses glycemic control (HbA1c) and psychosocial measures at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The AI4DM study protocol was approved by the university's institutional review board.
• Recruitment and enrollment were scheduled to begin in October 2021.

Conclusions:

• The AI4DM study will enhance understanding of web-based diabetes self-management for people with disabilities.
• The AI4DM intervention offers a potentially scalable and novel approach to managing type 2 diabetes in this population.